black cherry

noun

1. a North American cherry, Prunus serotina, having drooping clusters of fragrant white flowers and bearing a black, sour, edible fruit.

2. the fruit itself.

3. the hard, reddish-brown wood of this tree, used for making furniture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black cherry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

A flourish of lemon zest, crushed cookies, black cherries, a drizzle of honey, a spoonful of melted jam — anything that adds contrast, shine, or a bit of drama.

Read more on Salon

My black cherry love came full circle a few weeks ago when I had the most superb Amarena cherries alongside a chicken liver mousse.

Read more on Salon

Locals affectionately coined the name because cherries and black cherries were among the bear’s favorite foods, Corriere della Sera daily said.

Read more on Seattle Times

The bear was well known in the area and named after a variety of black cherry that she was particularly fond of.

Read more on BBC

In Texas, we have black cherries, which are sweet and tart, with a little hint of acidity, and less sweet than Rainier cherries, which are tender and juicy with a delicate mild sweet flavor.

Read more on Seattle Times